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The Brea is strung F-F, whereas the Brittany is the same harp but strung G-G. Since I wanted the smaller sized harp, I chose the F-F configuration. My other harps are tuned to E flat, but I tune my Brea to F, which is a key I like. When I first got this harp, I kept treating that low F like it was a C, as on my other harps. Had to change that habit right away. Now, it comes so easy and fun to play; and I can change over to my Ogden without problems. With regard to building from a kit: I prefer to let the pros do what they do best.
I just received my Stoney End Brea double strung harp a month ago, which had been on order for around 5 months. I am finding it to be a very fun harp to play. The double row of strings allows for some interesting ideas for creative playing. There are, definitely, things you can do with this harp that can’t be done on a single strung harp. I went with the Small Brea F-F in cherry with full Camac levers, as I wanted a small harp that would be easy to travel with. I, also, ordered the stand so I can play it as a floor harp, which is what I do most of the time. After a month, its tone is developing and it has a wonderful feel. I think Gary Stone and his staff built a very nice little harp and I am very happy with it.
Very interesting question. I have yet to play any gigs on harp, but years ago, when my music partner and I were the house band(instrumental duo) at a large German restaurant for 10 years, we had a rule that no one was allowed on the stage. At the time, I played accordion and my partner played guitar and mandolin. We sequenced our background music ourselves for a very tailored sound which was well received. We had thousands of dollars of equipment on the stage and simply couldn’t let people or kids mess with it. One night, a man came up to me while we were on break and was so curious about my accordion that he tipped me $20.00 to let him see what it felt like to wear the accordion. I said okay. So, I had him sit down and I put the accordion on him. He sat there for about a minute and then was done. He said “thank you” and that was it. That was an easy 20 bucks, normally, we just don’t allow it. As for harp, we haven’t played out yet. We are very protective of our instruments and don’t want someone else’s fingers on them, so, I don’t know how we’ll handle that.
We found a lot of them by doing many searches online. There are over 400 cantigas that were written in the 13th century. They are numerous and can be found online.
